Steam jet fire extinguishing system



Nov. 8, 1966 D. E. WEHNER STEAM JET FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 25, 1965 INVENTOR.

DAVID E. WEHNER Nov. 8, 1966 o. E. WEHNER STEAM JET FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 25, 1965 INVENTOR.

DAVID E. WEHNER United States Patent 3,283,828 STEAM JET FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM David E. Wehner, 4424 Middle Road, Allison Park, Pa. Filed May 25, 1965, Sex. N0. 459,534 14 Claims. (Cl. 169-25) This application is a continuation-impart of my application Serial No. 13,198, filed March 7, 1960 and now abandoned.

My invention relates to a method and apparatus for oombatting fires and more particularly pertains to a system or apparatus for extinguishing and controlling fires by either dry steam or a high velocity hot water or saturated steam blast.

In the prior art of which I am aware, various attempts have been made to develop steam fire extinguishing systems, however, such sytsems for the most part have been unacceptable primarily because they lack the necessary versatility to permit adaptation for use in combatting various types of fires.

Thus, it has been a primary objective of my invention to provide more versatile fire-control apparatus capable of delivering either a high volume dry steam flow or a hot water blast, depending on the nature of the fire to be extinguished.

It has also been an objective of my invention to provide a steam jet fire extinguishing system adaptively arranged for mounting on a wheeled vehicle such as a bus or multiple-axles tandem vehicle so the system may be easily maneuvered to the vicinity of a fire.

Still another objective of my invention has been to provide steam jet fire fighting apparatus capable of combining a steam flow with a chemical solution to produce a fog or foam output for combatting a fire.

An ancillary objective of my invention is to provide a unique means of pre-heating water in a steam jet fire extinguishing sytsem in the form of a well insulated thermostatically-regalated electrically-heated boiler which also serves to increase the water storage capacity of the system.

In accordance with my invention I provide a fire-control apparatus for extinguishing fires particularly in a subzero ambient temperature environment. The apparatus of my invention broadly comprises a self-propelled wheeled vehicle having mounted thereon various components of a steam generating system that are preferably contained within the vehicle body. The apparatus of the steam system is preferably well-insulated to prevent the radiation of heat between components of the system and to minimize heat radiation between the system and the vehicle operating compartment or the engine, power train, fuel tank, etc., of the vehicle.

I further provide several means which are connected in cooperative communication with the steam-producing equipment to utilize the steam produced thereby. Mounted above the steam-producing equipment and exterior to the body of the vehicle I provide a steam turret that is preferably motor-actuated and revolvable on a vertical axis. Extending from the turret is a steam blast pipe for directing a high velocity flow from the vehicle and toward a fire. One end of the blast pipe is pivotally connected to the turret so that the free end of the blast pipe may be swung to an arc of 180 in relation to the turret. Separate from the blast pipe means of delivering a steam flow I provide another means for steam output in the form of a retractable hose for conducting a steam flow from either side of the vehicle. I also provide a hose connection at the front of the vehicle which is in flow-communication with the steam-producing equipment and may be selectively utilized either for directing a dry steam flow or a substantially wet blow-down steam flow from the system. This take-off connection may also be used in conducting an inflow of water to a storage means mounted on the chassis of the vehicle for containing water to be utilized by the system.

I further provide that a chemical storage tank be mounted on the vehicle in combination with a pump for feeding chemicals from the tank and into the steam flow emitted from the system.

A notable ancillary feature of my invention is the pro vision of a clamp attachment which is removably-connectazble between the discharge end of a hose and the output nozzle thereof. The purpose of the clamp attachment is to enable a fireman to control a hose conducting a high velocity steam flow so that the flow emitted therefrom may be safely and most effectively directed.

My invention resides in the construction, arrangement, and combination of the various parts of my improved and simplified steam jet fire extinguishing system, whereby the objectives and features contemplated .are attained as hereafter more fully described and as specifically set forth in the appended claims. Other objectives and various advantages of my invention will best be understood from the ensuing detailed description when read with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevation view of a :bus-type vehicle in accordance with my invention, illustrating a preferred arrangement of the major components of the apparatus thereof.

FIGURE 2 is a planar flow diagram which will be referred to hereafter to illustrate the operational features of the steam-producing apparatus in accordance with my invention.

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of a unique clamp attachment which I provide as part of my invention.

FIGURE 4 is a vertical section taken at an intermediate point on FIGURE 1, illustrating one preferred method of mounting certain parts of the apparatus of my invention.

In accordance with my invention, the preferred embodiment thereof is shown in FIGURE 1 as comprising a wheeled vehicle or bus-like chassis and body 10 having three major interior compartments defined within the body structure. Compartment A is a forward control area, preferably designed to accommodate the vehicle driver and a number of passengers therein. I prefer that the forward control compartment A also have located therein (not shown) means for actuating or controlling various valves, pumps, etc, associated with the operation of the system to be hereafter described. I further prefer that a substantial portion of the interior surfaces of the forward personnel compartment A be coated with a lurnini-ferous substance of selectively varied contrasting colors in order to clearly distinguish critical points of visual reference Within the compartment.

An intermediate substantially large compartment or equipment area B serves as a housing for the various stationary components of my steam-producing system. In the rear of the vehicle, a comparatively-smaller compartment C is isolated from the intermediate compartment B by means of a vertical partition-like wall of fireproof insulating material to prevent heat exchange the-rebetween. In the preferred embodiment of my invention, an engine 15 for driving the vehicle 10 is located in the compartment C along with a fuel tank 16 for supplying fuel to the engine and an electric power plant 17 which can be adaptively arranged to be driven by a power take-off means from the engine 15.

I prefer to substantially encapsulate the entire interior of the vehicle 10 with a layer of insulation material 18 in the form of a shell so that all three compartments A, B, and C are insulated to prevent heat transfer to the ambient atmosphere outside the body of the vehicle and are separately insulated from each other.

It is also preferred that the intermediate compartment B be enclosed along the respective sides thereof with fireproof insulated walls, each having suflicient area therealong provided with windows. Then, by provision of a transversely elongated window in the partition between compartment A and compartment B, it is possible for the driver in compartment A to peer backwardly-outwardly to either side when backing or turning the vehicle. Such windows can be of a dual-layer thermal glass construction.

With respect to the appearance of the inside of the vehicle, in addition to providing luminous surfaces within the control compartment, the various valves and major components of the system within the intermediate compartment B can also be provided with a luminescent coating, with different colors on closely-positioned parts. An interior lighting system receiving current from the generator 17 can be provided, and, in the event of its failure, the glowing colors will aid in safe control of the system. The exterior of the vehicle can also be provided with a similar paint or coating.

The major components of my steam-producing system, as shown in FIGURE 1, are located primarily within the intermediate compartment B and at an overhead location on the roof of the vehicle 10. These components broadly comprise a steam generator 21 having an attached collector or accumulator tank 210 and an overhead horizontally-elongated flue chamber 38. Jutting upwardly intermediate the length of the flue chamber 38 and in a fluid flow communication therewith is a substantially rectangular chimney 37 for passing eflluent or gaseous products of combustion from the generator and into the atmosphere. A passage 30a leads upwardly from the forward end of the flue chamber 38 and opens internally within a rotatable steam turret 32. A steam blast tube 31 is extended from the turret 32 and is movably attached thereto so that it may be swung thereon a limited distance through a vertical plane. The projecting end of the blast tube 31 may be provided with a flange-like annular lip 31a which is adaptively constructed for removable connection to the side wall of the chimmy 37 so that the blast tube may be placed in flowcommunication with a chimney side opening 37a.

Across the side wall opening in the chimney 37 I provide a shutter arrangement in the form of a plurality of transverse parallel panel louver-s that are movable in unison. A second shutter arrangement 38b is provided within the flue chamber 38 at a location intermediate the length thereof. The flue chamber 38 may be extended from the intermediate compartment B and into the rear compartment C and may be furnished with a third shutter arrangement 38c. Also, at the lower end of the chimney 37, where the chimney interjoins with the flue chamber 38, I provide a fourth shutter arrangement 41. The functional purpose of the various shutter arrangements will be dealt with further on in this description.

I further provide as part of my steam-producing system a fireless boiler 22 which can be supported by clamps in a rigid trough-like arrangement. The boiler 22 is provided with an internally projecting electrical resistance element or heating means 22a and preferably has such collateral equipment as a pressure gauge 22b and a safety release valve 22c. The relief or pop-up valve 220 may be installed in combination with a conduit 22d which would direct a pressure-released flow upwardly from the boiler 22 and into the flue chamber 38.

There is also shown in FIGURE 1 a fuel oil storage tank 24 for supplying fuel to the generator 21, a water storage tank 23 for providing water to be converted into steam within the generator 21, and a motor-actuated pump 27 which functions primarily as a circulating pump that will be hereinafter described.

I preferably provide at least three separately-situated nipples or connection points where hoses may be threadably coupled. At the rear of the vehicle 16 an axternal nipple 30 is provided primarily to facilitate the connection thereto of an input hose to direct water inwardly for storage in the tank 23. A nipple 29 is provided at the front of the bus and is the outer end of a conduit permitting a flow of water to be fed inwardly to fill the boiler 22. The nipple 29 is also a take-off point for conducting a blow-down flow from the boiler 22. The blow-down flow therefrom may be directed onto a fire by facing the vehicle 10 directly toward the fire location, and such blow-down could also be used to melt snow drifts away from the path of the vehicle 10.

Projecting above the roof of the vehicle 10 at the forward end thereof is a nipple 33 which is part of a chemical sub-system in accordance with my invention. A tank 26 is provided and may be utilized for the storage of a brine solution or other fire extinguishing chemicals or a liquid solution capable of producing foam. A pump 56 is provided to withdraw solution from the tank 26 and direct it upwardly via a conduit leading to the nipple 33. A flexible hose may then be interconnected between the nipple 33 and the lower threaded end of an injection nozzle 35 which protrudes inwardly through the side wall of the blast tube 3 1.

The blast tube 31 is also provided with a nozzle 36 having a threaded input end 36a which may be coupled by means of a hose to an auxiliary vehicle (not shown) capable of providing a flow of foam through the nozzle 36 and then into the blast tube 31.

A rotatable hose reel 28 having a retractable hose 28a thereon is provided in a forward position within the intermediate compartment B so that the end of the hose may be drawn outwardly to either side of the vehicle, with openings or small portholes (not shown) provided through the respective sides of the vehicle body to permit the hose to be moved therethrough.

I specifically provide that the various storage tanks shown in FIGURE 1 be mounted low in relation to the chassis so as to provide a low center of gravity and ballast to the vehicle 10. As shown in FIGURE 4 the water storage tank 23 can comprise two separate but interconnected portions to improve Weight distribution within the vehicle 10.

It is preferred that all the major parts of my steam producing apparatus be wrapped in form-fitting insulation to reduce heat transfer between the various parts and to circumvent heat lost from the system. The utilization of such insulation is shown clearly with respect to the boiler 22 but is similarly preferred with other major elements in the system such as the generator 21 and the storage tanks, etc., as well as the interconnecting pipes of the system.

The various conduits utilized in my system for conducting water and steam between the major system components should be of a flexible or swivel-connected type so as to be capable of withstanding torsional stress resulting from slight relative movement of the major components in accordance with the motion of the vehicle 10.

FIGURE 2 is essentially a planar diagrammatic rep resentation of my steam producing system, showing the major components of FIGURE 1 in a spread out arrangement so as to reveal the interconnection between the various major elements and constituent parts integral thereto. FIGURE 2 illustrates that the generator 21, which is in itself conventional in the art, broadly cornprises a housing 21a having therein a spiral conduit or coil 21b, and a burner means 21d to heat the coil 21b. Fuel is supplied to the burner 21d by means of a typical fuel pump 34 drawing fuel from the tank 24 and through a conduit 25 which leads to the burner 21d. Air to support combustion within the housing 21a would be provided through an intake grill or louve-rs (not shown) provided on the side of the body of the vehicle 10. The upper dome end of the housing 21a is interconnected to the flue chamber 38 by means of a pipe 21e.

A pump 40a is provided to draw water from an external source and in through a conduit 40 which directs the flow through a cruciform connector 47. From the cruciform connector 47 the input flow of water may be directed downwardly through a conduit 42 and into the tank 23. The connector 47 also interconnects with a conduit 43 leading from the boiler 22 and an upwardly directed conduit 44. Valves 46a, 42a, 43a, and 44a are provided to control the flow into and from the cruciform connector 47 and, like other valve controls shown in the drawing, are merely representative of one mode of accomplishing the control of fluid flow within the system.

The conduit 44 leads upwardly into the motor-actuated pump 27 and a conduit 45 leads therefrom and into the generator coil 21b. The lower or output end of the generator coil 21b is directed to the interior of the collector 210.

From the upper end of the collector 210 a generator output conduit 49 extends over the boiler 22 and then is directed upwardly toward the turret 32. Intermediate the length of the conduit 49 a branch conduit 50 is directed downwardly and into the boiler 22. The branch 50 is provided with a shut-off valve 50a. Beyond the point where the branch 50a projects downwardly, a valve 4% is provided on the conduit 49. Thereafter, along the length of the conduit 49, a downward projecting branch line 51 leads to a cruciform connector 55. Other lines or conduits extended from the cruciform connector 55 are conduits 52, 53, and 54. Valves 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a are provided as a means of selectively controlling the direction of inflow and outflow with respect to the connector 55.

A vertical conduit segment 32c is joined at its lower end to receive a steam flow from the conduit 49 by means of a rotatable sealed connection 32e. The upper end of the conduit segment 32c is in flow communication with a blast pipe 32a that extends from the turret 32 and for a short distance centrally through the movable blast tube 31.

The extended end of the blast pipe 32a may be supported within the blast tube by means of a pair of radiallyoutwardly projecting arms or gussets in a vertical arrangement that will allow the effluent flow moving up through the passage 38a and into the turret to pass freely through the blast tube 31.

The turret 32 is revolvable on a vertical axis and is supported on a turntable or bearing assembly 32b, the lower race of which is fixedly attached to the roof of the vehicle 10.

The chemical sub-system provided in combination with my apparatus comprises a chemical storage tank 26 and the motor-actuated variable pump 57 which can be oper ated to draw chemical solution from the tank 26 through the conduit 56 and thence upwardly through a conduit 58. A control means such as 58a may be provided on the conduit 58 to regulate the flow of solution through the conduit 58. The upper end of the conduit 58 is threadably-joined to the nipple 33, and a conventional high pressure hose 59 may be utilized to conduct the flow of chemical solution from the connector 33 to the injection nozzle 35.

It should be noted in reference to the flue chamber 38 as shown in FIGURE 2 that an alternate means 380. may be provided in lieu of the shutter arrangement 380 (FIG- URE l) to withdraw hot air and exhaust fumes from the rear compartment C of the vehicle 10.

For use in conjunction with my fire fighting apparatus I provide a specially designed steam output nozzle 62 as shown in FIGURE 3. The body of the nozzle 62 is preferably of a heat and impact resistant resin composition. The underface of the body of nozzle 62 is provided with a recessed area 62a so that the nozzle may be anchored upon a window ledge 66 to facilitate manual control thereof. A steam conducting conduit 62b passes longitudinally through the body of the nozzle 62 and may be comple'mentarily shaped to by-pass the recess 62a without unduly restricting steam flow therethrough. Also, a reinforcing rod or internal body member 62 may be provided to strengthen the nozzle body. A transverse opening or handle portion 62a is provided for grasping the nozzle 62 so that the nozzle may be easily moved to change the direction of the steam flow emitted through the nozzle end opening 62c. The rearward end of the body of the nozzle 62 may be provided with an internally threaded socket 62g so that the nozzle can be threadably attached to a steam output hose connectively joined to my steam producing system.

I also provide for a device 64 which broadly comprises a resin body, preferably transparent, having a shut-off valve 641: to enable the steam flow through its longitudinal passage 64a to be curtailed when it is necessary to attach of detach the nozzle 62. The shut-off device 64 can be constructed to be coupled by means of clamps to a hose 65 leading from the vehicle 10, and may be joined to the nozzle 62 by a threaded nipple 63. The hose 65 shown in FIGURE 3 could represent the retractable hose 28a on the hose reel 28 shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. The nozzle 28b shown in FIGURE 2 would thus be replaced by the shut-oif device 64 through the utilization of a suitable clamping arrangement.

Having thus described the major elements of my invention and the constituent parts thereof which are contained in the preferred embodiment, the operation of my system will now be considered. The vehicle 10 and its associated equipment is designed to be maintained in a ready condition for immediate use. The fireless boiler 22 provides a means of preheating water for use in the system during the time when the vehicle is not in actual use at the site of a fire. The thermostatically-regulated electrical heating element 22a operates on the electrical current commonly available in a fire house garage, and a means (not shown) for interconnecting the element 22a to utilize alternating current would be provided and would preferably include a retractable insulated electric wire extension cord arrangement mounted exteriorly at the rear of the bus-like vehicle 10. The extension could thus be drawn outward from its retracting carriage so that the plug end thereof could be fitted into a building receptacle to conduct current to the boiler heating element 22a. The plug thereof would be withdrawn and the extension permitted to retract when the vehicle was put into actual service.

The centrally-located boiler 22 further provides means of increasing the available volume of stored water that the vehicle is capable of carrying and utilizing for combatting a fire, and the boiler 22 is therefor maintained ready for use, at least two-thirds filled with preheated water. The boiler 22 may be filled from an external water source by means of the conduit 53 directing the water flow to the cruciform connector 55 and thence through the conduit 54 and into the boiler 22.

After the vehicle 10 leaves its garage location and arrives at the site of a fire, the generator 21 may be, by proper valve manipulation, placed into operation. This is accomplished by actuating the pump 27 and selectively controlling the associated valves in the system so that water may be drawn from the storage tank 23 and upwardly through the conduits 42 and 44. The pump 27 then feeds the water flow through the conduit 45 and downwardly through the spiral coil 21b within the generator 21. The spiral coil 21b is heated by heating means 21d, and the water, under force circulation, passes down through the spiral coil in a counterflow direction to the combustion gases that are passed upwardly over the outside of the coil. The heated water within the coil 21b begins to vaporize and passes outwardly from the coil 21b and into steam collector or accumulator 210.

From the accumulator 21c, steam moves upwardly and out through the conduit 49, which may be provided with a shut-off valve at a position directly above the collector 210. By proper manipulation of the associated valves, the steam flow may be selectively directed from the conduit 49 either down a vertical branch conduit 50 and into the boiler 2 or upwardly for ejection through the blast pipe 32a that is extended from the turret 32.

The steam, when directed down through the conduit 50 and into the boiler 22, will initially begin to condense therein in the presence of the lower temperature water within the boiler. Water may be then caused to flow outwardly from the boiler 22 and through the conduit 43. Then, by actuating the proper valves, the flow through the conduit 43 may be directed upwardly to establish a recirculation flow from the boiler 22 to the generator 21 and thence back to the boiler 22. In this manner a suflicient head of steam can be generated to provide a highvelocity high-volume steam flow for use in combatting a fire.

The elements of my invention are so arranged that the effluent produced by the burner 21d within the generator 21 may be directed from the flue chamber 38 and outwardly through the chimney 37. By opening the shutter arrangement 38b, the efiluent flow may be separated so that a part thereof is directed forwardly through the flue chamber 38 and then upwardly through the passage 38a and finally outwardly through the blast tube 31.

With the end of the blast tube 31 connectively joined to the side opening 37a of the chimney 37 the efiluent flow from the blast tube 31 can be directed into the chimney 37 and upwardly-outwardly into the atmosphere. This arrangement serves to provide a means of preheating the turret and blast tube 31 so as to maintain it ready for its primary function in combatting a fire.

It will be noted that through the use of the shutter arrangement 41, the effluent through the chimney 37 can be restricted so that substantially all of the flow within the chamber 38 can be directed outwardly through the turret 32 of the blast tube 31. The shutter arrangement 39 is provided across the opening 37a of the chimney 37 as a means of regulating the efiiuent flow from the blast tube into the chimney with respect to providing a suitable draft therethrough. Each of the sets of shutters heretofore described may be equipped with a manual control rod or other suitable means to control.

My steam producing system is preferably provided with a minimum of three steam output means although it is understood that the system could be modified to include additional output means at various locations. The rotatable turret 32 provides a means of controllably-directing a steam flow outwardly by means of the blast pipe 32a. The connecting means 29 at the far end of the vehicle may be utilized in conjunction with a suitable flexible hose to direct either a dry steam flow or a high pressure water flow or blow-down blast from the system. For a dry steam flow to be directed outwardly through the connecting means 29 the valves in the system would be selectively controlled to direct the steam coming through the conduit 49 downwardly through the vertical conduit 51 and out through the conduit 53. Alternatively, by interrupting the flow through the vertical conduit 51, the valves can be regulated to provide a blow-down flow through the conduit 54 and thence outwardly through the conduit 53. The blow-down flow from the boiler 22 may be directed upwardly through conduit 51, or forwardly through conduit 52 to be emitted from the hose 28a. The conduit 52, which leads to the retractable hose 28a, provides another means of directing an outward flow from the system.

The chemical sub-system which I provide as part of the combination in accordance with my invention may be utilized to either produce a chemical solution for atomization by the blast pipe 32a or may be employed to furnish a flow of chemical solution to stimulate the production of a 'high volume fog. Choice of chemical solutions to be used must, of course, be in accordance with the temperature anticipated for the particular time of year.

By proper manipulation of the valves provided in the system, a penetrating fog may also be produced through suitable intermixin g of the dry steam flow with the wet blow-down flow from the boiler 22.

I have thus described a novel steam jet fire extinguishing system capable of all weather operation and particularly adapted to sub-zero temperature operation. Through the use of my system, firemen will have available a positive fogging action for ues in sub-zero weather for smothering flames and dampening down inflammable surfaces without the extreme water damage associated with the use of water tylpe equipment. A high volume, high velocity flow of steam is produced by my system, with such steam having the ability to move upwardly around turns and through crevices in a building to smother flames which cannot be immediately reached by other means. Fog produced by the steam from my system can be forced into partitions under pressure to displace air therein while at the same time penetrate and dampen down internal surfaces. It is believed that my system will be found particularly useful in fighting building fires, gasoline fires, or aircraft fires, etc. It is further believed that my system can be maintained ready for instant use and can be put into actual operation more rapidly than can conventional water type fire fighting equipment.

What I claim is:

1. Fire-control apparatus for extinguishing fires in a sub-zero ambient temperature environment comprising, in combination: a self-propelled wheeled vehicle; a tireless steam boiler mounted on said vehicle; a steam generator mounted on said vehicle and connected in cooperative communication With said boiler; a steam turret revolvable on the initial axis thereof and positioned above said generator and said boiler, a steam blast pipe extending from said turret; hose means connectable to said blast pipe for conducting a steam flow from said vehicle to the site of a fire; and reel means for containable storing said hose and dispensing said hose as desired from said vehicle.

2. Fire control apparatus as recited in claim 1 and further comprising: blow-down means in the form of a conduit leading from the lower region of said fireless boiler and terminating in a hose connection means located exterior to the body of said vehicle.

3. Fire control apparatus as recited in claim 2 and further comprising: a heated forward-control compartment housed within the body of said vehicle.

4. Fire control apparatus as recited in claim 3, further comprising: a chemical storage tank mounted on said vehicle and having a pump connected thereto for feeding the chemicals through an injector line and into the steam flow emitted from said vehicle.

5. Fire control apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein: a substantial portion of the interior surfaces of said personnel compartment are coated with a luminiferous substance, said substance being selectively utilized throughout the interior of said compartment so as to provide contrasting and varied colors which mark out critical points of visual reference within said compartment.

6. Fire control apparatus as recited in claim 5 and further comprising: a clamp attachment removably connectable between the discharge end of said hose and the nozzle therefor, said attachment comprising a rigid body portion with a generally longitudinal steam passage extending therethrough for steam communication between said hose and said nozzle, said body portion having a substantially large recessed area for cooperatively receiving a rigid member for stationary attachment thereto, said body further provided with at least one transverse opening therethrough for a means of manually grasping said attachment.

7. The fire control apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein said body portion of said attachment is further provided with a manually controllable valve to interrupt the flow through said longitudinal passage.

8. The fire control apparatus as recited in claim 7 wherein: said fireless boiler is provided with an electrical heating element to generate heat energy within said boiler.

9. Fire-control apparatus as recited in claim 8 and fur-ther comprising: a water storage compartment positioned below said boiler to provide ballast and a low center of gravity to said vehicle.

10. Fire-control apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising: an elongated cylindrical blast tube extended from said turret and movably mounted thereto, said blast pipe extending axially into said tube, said tube having a chemical-input nozzle protruding from the side wall thereof to extend near the outlet end of said blast pipe as a means of providing a liquid 'chemical flow for atomization by the steam flow from said blast pipe.

11. Fire-control apparatus as recited in claim 10 further comprising: a substantially horizontally-elongated flue chamber mounted above and in communication with said generator for receiving an efiluent-flow therefrom, said chamber extending forwardly in said vehicle with the forward end thereof connected by means of a passageway to said turret so that said forward end is in effiuent-fiow communication with said blast tube to permit said effluent to pass through said turret and thence through said blast tube to combine with the steam flow from said blast pipe.

12. Fire-control apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein said vehicle is provided with a rear engine compartment, said flue chamber extends rearwardly so that an end thereof protrudes into the upper area of said engine campartment, with shutter means sensitive to flow direction provided to conduct heat and exhaust fumes from said compartment and out through said flue.

13. Fire-control apparatus as recited in claim 11 further comprising: a rectangular chimney extending from the upper side of said flue chamber for exhausting efi'luent into the atmosphere above said vehicle, said chimney having a forward-facing side opening with releasable connective means positioned adjacent said side opening for releasably-joining the end of said blast tube in communication with said side opening so that effiuent-flow or steam from said blast tube may be directed there through and upwardly-outwardly through the exhaust end of said chimney, a means of controlling the flow through said side opening comprising a plurality of parallel shutter panels mounted to be movable in unison and positioned across said side opening, a means of controlling the upward flow to said chimney from said flue chamber comprising a plurality of parallel shutter panels mounted to be movable in unison across the bottom of said chimney, and a means to control efiluent flow through said flue toward said turret comprising a plurality of parallel shutter panels mounted transversely across the interior of said flue chamber intermediate said chimney and said forward end of said flue chamber.

14. Fire-control apparatus as recited in claim 2, further comprising: conduit means for directing a blow-down flow outwardly from said lower region of said fireless boiler and upwardly to be emitted through said blast p1pe.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,238,672 8/1917 Hopwood 23972 1,642,418 9/1927 Kovanda et al. 239132 1,694,574 12/1928 Witter et al. 239- 2,193,795 3/ 1940 Bredtschneider 122-31 2,668,081 2/ 1954 Kanter 239-283 2,681,828 6/1954 Pollard 122-31 2,891,624 6/1959 McBride 1691 2,918,975 12/1959 Conery et al. 169-24 2,924,279 2/1960 Hofbauer et al. 169-1 2,934,275 4/1960 Ball 2392 3,180,423 4/1965 Gibbs 169-24 FOREIGN PATENTS 28,066 12/ 1907 Great Britain.

EVERETT W. KIRBY, Primary Examiner. 

1. FIRE-CONTROL APPARATUS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES IN A SUB-ZERO AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENT COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: A SELF-PROPELLED WHEELED VEHICLE; A FIRELESS STEAM BOILER MOUNTED ON SAID VEHICLE; A STEAM GENERATOR MOUNTED ON SAID VEHICLE AND CONNECTED IN COOPERATIVE COMMUNICATION WITH SAID BOILER; A STEAM TURRET REVOLVABLE ON THE INITIAL AXIS THEREOF AND POSITIONED ABOVE SAID GENERATOR AND SAID BOILER, A STEAM BLAST PIPE EXTENDING FROM SAID TURRET; HOSE MEANS CONNECTABLE TO SAID BLAST PIPE FOR CONDUCTING A STEAM FLOW FROM SAID VEHICLE TO THE SITE OF A FIRE; AND REEL MEANS FOR CONTAINABLE STORING SAID HOSE AND DISPENSING SAID HOSE AS DESIRED FROM SAID VEHICLE. 